Spring Cleaning: Get to that New Year's Resolution to lose weight now!

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Angela Marie Fava, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.

Spring Cleaning: Get to that New Year’s Resolution to lose weight now!

How to get started on your weight loss resolutions!

Losing weight or creating a healthier lifestyle is year after year the number one New Year’s resolution people choose. “But Angela”, I hear you saying, "this is Spring now not the New Year”. Indeed, and that is exactly why we’re talking about New Year’s resolutions, because by now you probably have forgotten all about them or put them aside. Well, it’s not too late. I say Spring is the real beginning of the year anyway so let’s get started!!

Identify the big picture:

By this I mean what are the reasons you want to lose weight? Of course there are going to be health reasons, and you want to list those, but what are the other reasons? What are the things you can’t do now that you want to do? What are the ways that you feel you’re holding yourself back due to making unhealthy food and activity choices? And yes, be sure to list all those health reasons too; how you feel now and how you hope to feel.

Move your body in some way everyday – everything counts. :

Whether it’s walking (mall walking is great on a rainy day, walking the dog for 20 minutes will make both of you happy, take a walk with your kids or partner or use it as a moment to be by yourself and be present in your day), running, riding a bike, or simply going up and down stairs an extra time or three, movement is going to help you in so many ways. It lifts the spirits, burns calories and raises your metabolism – move that body! Start with whatever you can muster, but do something and make it just a bit more challenging than what you’re currently doing. If you can walk 10 minutes now without tiring, then walk 11 minutes tomorrow and 12 minutes two days from now. Just move!!

Change your attitude; this isn’t temporary, this is your life! :

Are you thinking: I’m just going to lose 10 pounds in time for summer, or your best friend’s June wedding? While temporary goals are a helpful kick start, long range thinking is what leads to a permanent healthy lifestyle and weight loss. Remember to keep the big picture in mind. In fact, put up a picture of yourself at a healthy weight doing something you love, or cut out some pictures from a magazine that include a beautiful place and doing something you want to do that you can’t currently do. Connecting inspiration and action will lead to a positive mind connection with what you’re setting out to do. This step leads to the next step on our list.

Choose whole foods over processed foods and eat often:

This is probably one of the biggest obstacles my Clients have to deal with as it seems to trip them up often. Processed foods tend to be a trigger for many people. After all, when was the last time you binged on baby carrots or plums? Processed foods are not only full of salt, sugar, fat and generally empty calories while being calorie dense, they also tend to have things like natural flavors that cause us to crave more and more of it. That is what the manufacturer is seeking to do after all; get you to eat more without feeling as full so you buy more.

Instead, decide you’re going to make eating an adventure; discover the world of beautiful colors and whole foods. There is infinite possibility in choosing foods that are not only colorful and packed full of vitamins and minerals; there is nothing in the processed food world that nature didn’t invent first. Why eat artificially flavored strawberry yoghurt for instance when you can eat fresh strawberries with a drizzle of honey over organic yoghurt you make yourself or buy? Try an experiment; put the two side by side and see which one is not only more visually appealing, but tastes better as well. Come on, I dare you!!

Eating often will keep your metabolism revved, help you avoid getting too hungry which will keep your blood sugar more stable, and you won’t feel you’re missing out on something. Eating 3 smaller meals and 3 snacks per day will accomplish all of this and you may be surprised how much better you’ll feel!

Acknowledge how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go:

This is about changing the direction of your journey. If you’re forever looking ahead at the distance in front of you, how much are you enjoying where you are currently and realizing how far you’ve come? Remember that this is a travel to be enjoyed; yes really, you can enjoy this!

Keep a food and encouragement journal:

Studies have shown that people that write down what they eat lose up to twice the amount of weight as people that don’t keep a food journal! Buy or make a beautiful book or pad of paper and put it somewhere that is easy access; maybe the kitchen table, or your night stand, or in your car if you travel often. Wherever it is, use it regularly and see what a difference it will make.

While you’re writing, make a note each day about how you feel and give yourself a word of encouragement. Inspire yourself to continue!

Stop eating after 8:00 pm or at least 3 hours before bedtime:

You want to give yourself time to digest well and use those calories before you lay down to sleep each night. If you make it a rule, then you no longer have to argue with yourself about it each evening; it simply is. When you find yourself reaching for that comfort food after 8pm, pull out your journal and write, or distract yourself with an activity knowing that the craving will pass with a few minutes of interruption. Ask yourself if you’re truly hungry and what about that food is pulling you forward. Remember your big picture and replace the image of food in your mind with your reason for wanting to become healthy.

Remember, you can do this. Your Higher Self is always stronger than a momentary craving. Tap into the Source of your true power and you’ve got this!!

Be well!
Angela

Are you ready to claim the growth that’s yours, but still need some help getting started?
Text, call or email me for a free consult today to discuss Life, or Health and Fitness Coaching – angela@LiveInBrilliance.com
Angela 206-954-2310, Monday – Friday 10:00am – 7:00pm Pacific Standard Time